In a significant moment of national recognition, a delegation led by Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, along with India Autism Center (IAC), facilitated an in-person meeting between four young neurodivergent swimmers from Yadhavi Sports Academy and the Hon’ble Vice President of India – C. P. Radhakrishnan. The interaction brought their extraordinary achievement to the national forefront, as the athletes, Meka Sri Ashvath (Age:11), Gunturu Lav (Age:9), Gunturu Kush (Age:9), and N. Thanvesh (Age:10), were acknowledged for completing a 60 km open water relay swim across the Palk Strait within 18 hours. Joined by their parents and coach, Mr. Sathish Sivakumar, Founder & Head Coach of Yadhavi Sports Academy, the team shared insights into their journey, preparation, and resilience. The Hon’ble Vice President commended their determination and emphasised the importance of enabling inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to excel. Representing IAC at the meeting were Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Chief Executive Officer & Director, and Ms. Sakhi Singhi, Governing Board Member, Head of Communications, Partnerships, Fundraising & Talent Acquisition, reflecting the collective support behind this achievement.
Building on this momentum, India Autism Center also hosted ‘Sports for All: Building an Equitable Sporting Ecosystem for All’ on 24th April 2026, as part of its broader vision Samaavesh, a sustainable, community-based residential ecosystem for lifelong care and support. Organised in collaboration with The Quantum Hub, Special Olympics Bharat, and The Accessibility Coalition, the event also felicitated the neurodivergent swimmers, recognising their remarkable achievement.
Speaking on the significance of the interaction, Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Chief Executive Officer & Director, India Autism Center, said, “The interaction with the Hon’ble Vice President marks a significant moment for our athletes, their families, and the larger movement towards inclusion in India. For all of us who have witnessed their journey closely, this recognition reinforces why building inclusive ecosystems that nurture confidence, capability, and long-term growth truly matter.”
Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, said, “Having closely witnessed the journeys of athletes across the Special Olympics movement, I see the same spirit of resilience, discipline, and courage reflected in these young champions. Moments like these reaffirm our collective responsibility to build more inclusive and accessible sporting ecosystems – where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to truly thrive.”
Reflecting on the athlete’s journey, Mr. Sathish Sivakumar, Founder & Head Coach, Yadhavi Sports Academy, shared, “This is a truly proud moment for the athletes. Despite the challenges they’ve faced both in and out of the water they have shown incredible resilience and determination.”
Garikapati Ashlesha, Mother of Meka Sri Ashvath shared, “For us as families, this opportunity holds deep meaning. As parents, we have witnessed the quiet challenges and the countless hours of effort that went into making this possible. Moments like these make us feel seen in that journey, and reassure us that our children’s potential is being genuinely valued and celebrated in the right direction”
The interaction marked a powerful step towards recognising the potential of neurodivergent individuals at a national platform. It was not just a celebratory moment around the initiative, but a recognition of a historic milestone achieved by these young athletes through their record-setting swim. Beyond the event, it reinforced a larger narrative that with the right support, neurodiverse individuals can excel and create paths that redefine possibilities at the highest levels.
